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The security of the UK will be put in jeopardy if Scots vote for independence
next year, according to a report from an influential committee of MPs.

The report from the Defence Select Committee, published today, accuses the
Ministry of Defence of failing to prepare for the implications of an
independent Scotland.

It criticises the UK Government for its lack of planning for a “yes” vote in
the referendum and demands more information be provided to voters.

The MPs have also attacked the SNP’s defence policy, highlighting gaping holes
in its proposals and rubbishing its economics. They say that with

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A "yes" vote for Scottish independence would be the worst nightmare for Britain’s Armed Forces. Already struggling with cuts to manpower and equipment, the loss of about a 12th of its strength should Scotland break with the rest of the United Kingdom would be a severe blow to the military.
It would also gravely affect Britain’s ability to defend itself and to project power overseas, raising fresh questions about whether the UK should remain a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and also severely eroding its standing in Nato. Britain has offered Scottish soldiers the choice of continuing to serve with the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF should their country become independent but it is unclear how this would work in practice.
There would also be the problem of what to do with non-Scottish soldiers serving in Scottish regiments or based in Scottish barracks, particularly at a time when there is no extra money to build new accommodation in the rest of the UK.
A number of troops being brought back from Germany, where British forces are withdrawing over the coming few years, are due to be housed in Scotland — a plan that would no longer be able to go ahead should Scottish defence become independent.
Then there is the tricky question of Trident. The Scottish Affairs Committee last year warned that Britain may have to disarm its arsenal of nuclear weapons within days if Scotland voted "yes" for independence.
Britain’s four-submarine nuclear deterrent, which provides the Royal Navy with the ability to keep a nuclear-armed vessel at sea every day throughout the year, is based out of the Clyde. It is regarded as the ultimate guarantor of the UK’s national security.
It would be possible to move the submarine fleet to the United States or France or somewhere else along the British coastline but this would be incredibly difficult logistically and politically. It would also cost a lot of money.
Such would be the chaos for defence of a "yes" vote for Scottish independence, that you get the feeling the top brass and their political masters in Westminster are choosing to stick their heads in the sand and just hope that it never happens.